Friday, June 15, 2018

AMPED™ FEATURED ALBUM OF THE WEEK: GIN BLOSSOMS/MIXED REALITY

GIN BLOSSOMS

MIXED REALITY

6.15.18

Alt-Rockers Gin
Blossoms celebrate their 31st Anniversary this year.While they achieved their commercial
breakthrough in 1992, the band originally formed in Tempe, Arizona five years
earlier. However, it wasn’t until the following year that the band truly gelled
with the addition of guitarist Robin
Wilson, who would quickly assume the role of the band’s lead vocalist. The
band’s independently-released debut album, DUSTED (1989), brought the band
plenty of local attention, which eventually lead to their major label deal with
A&M Records. By 1992, the band’s NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE album was a
smash hit – fueled by the massively successful “Hey Jealousy” single – and
their guitarist and main songwriter Doug
Hopkins was out of the band (he would eventually take his own life). More
successful singles followed - including “Found Out About You” and “Til I Hear
It From You” – as well as the critically-acclaimed album CONGRATULATIONS… I’M SORRY
(1996). The band ground to a halt in early 1997 but reformed in 2001. They
released two additional albums – MAJOR LODGE VICTORY (2006) and NO
CHOCOLATE CAKE (2010) – and have toured frequently ever since.

Now, eight years since their last studio effort, Gin
Blossoms return with the eagerly-anticipated album MIXED REALITY. The band’s
line-up still features original members Bill
Leen (bass), Jesse Valenzuela
(guitar) and Wilson (lead vocals) along with guitarist Scott Johnson, who replaced Hopkins in 1992. They are joined by
drummer Scott Hessel, who has been
hitting the skins for the band since 2012. The band’s warm blend of Alt-Rock
and Americana is still very much a part of their sound. However, MIXED
REALITY is a more intimate album that avoids bombastic production and
focuses purely on the songs and performances… which is really the point, isn’t
it? This is an album that moves the band forward without relying too heavily on
the past. Instead of cranking out an updated version of NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE,
Gin Blossoms have crafted a full-length album that feels familiar yet stands on
its own as a classic album.

There are melodic hooks aplenty on MIXED REALITY. Highlights
include “Face The Dark,” “Angels Fly,” “Wonder,” “Still Some Room In Heaven,”
and “Girl On The Side” amongst others. Fans of College Rock, ‘90s Power Pop, Alt-Rock,
Indie Rock and Americana are going to love MIXED REALITY. Thankfully, the album
has a timeless quality to it which will appeal to old fans as well as a whole
new audience. Welcome back, boys!